A device for guiding airflow and projecting light in an elevator car

Abstract

A device (102) for guiding airflow and projecting light into an elevator car (100) is disclosed. The device (102) includes a body (202) having a depressed portion (202-1) adapted to be inserted through a modular ceiling (106). The depressed portion (202-1) includes a peripheral region (204) defining at least one vent (208). The depressed portion (202-1) includes a plurality of grills (206) disposed in the at least one vent (208) and adapted to guide the flow of air into the elevator car (100). The body (202) includes a flange (210) adapted to be engaged with the modular ceiling (106) such that the flange (210) supports the body (202) on the modular ceiling (106). The device (102) includes at least one lighting unit (112) positioned on the peripheral region (204) and adapted to project light within the elevator car (100). The flow of air, directed towards the plurality of grills (206), comes in contact with the at least one lighting unit (112).

Description

[0001] A DEVICE FOR GUIDING AIRFLOW AND PROJECTING LIGHT IN AN ELEVATOR CAR

[0002] The present invention relates to elevators and more particularly, to a device for guiding airflow and projecting light in an elevator car.

[0003] Elevators are an essential part of multi-storey buildings, such as commercial or residential buildings, for transporting persons / goods between different floors. An elevator includes an elevator shaft disposed along the multiple floors of a building. Further, the elevator includes an elevator car adapted to be displaced along the elevator shaft between the multiple floors by using a drive unit. The elevator shaft includes an elevator pit disposed below the lowermost floor of the building.

[0004] Generally, the elevator car is provided with various lighting systems to be operated in different modes, such as normal lighting mode or emergency lighting mode. Such lighting systems are usually installed into a decorative roof, fixtures, flooring, or wall panels of the elevator car. For example, the lighting system to be operated in the normal operational mode is usually installed on the decorative roof, and the lighting system to be operated in the emergency lighting mode is usually installed on one of the wall panels of the elevator car. Owing to a large number of lighting systems for different modes, a larger space is required within the elevator car for installation and therefore increases the overall cost associated with such lighting systems.

[0005] Further, different interfaces, such as structural and electrical components, are needed to install the lighting systems at different locations within the elevator car. This substantially increases the overall complexity and might lead to a number of failures in the lighting systems. Furthermore, owing to a large number of standalone lighting systems, the overall energy requirement is substantially increased. Also, the replacement process for such lighting systems is a time-consuming and cumbersome task.

[0006] US 7220023 B2 shows an illuminator disposed in an air path of a ventilation blower disposed above the ceiling of an elevator cage. An illumination shielding device is disposed below the illuminator and in the air path. However, the illuminator and the illumination shielding device are mounted separately on a side wall of the elevator cage. This increases the overall complexity of a lighting system and requires different interfaces, such as structural and electrical components, for mounting the illuminator and the illuminator shielding device. Further, owing to standalone lighting system, i.e., the illuminator, the replacement process of such lighting system is a timeconsuming and cumbersome task.

[0007] Therefore, there is an immense desire to develop a device that can eliminate one or more shortcomings associated with the abovementioned elevators.

[0008] It is the object of the present invention to provide a device for guiding airflow and projecting light into an elevator car. The device is integrated with capabilities for illuminating the elevator car and guiding airflow within the elevator car, thereby eliminating the requirement of standalone components for providing illumination and for guiding airflow within the elevator car. According to the invention, this object is solved by the device having the features of claim 1 and an elevator installation having the features of claim 15.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a device for guiding airflow and projecting light into an elevator car is disclosed. The device includes a body having a depressed portion adapted to be inserted through a modular ceiling of the elevator car. The depressed portion includes a peripheral region defining at least one vent to allow a flow of air therethrough within the elevator car. The depressed portion includes a plurality of grills disposed in at least one vent and adapted to guide the flow of air into the elevator car. The body includes a flange extending from the depressed portion and is adapted to be engaged with the modular ceiling such that the flange supports the body on the modular ceiling. The device includes at least one lighting unit positioned on the peripheral region and adapted to project light within the elevator car through a front side of the depressed portion. The flow of air, directed towards the plurality of grills, comes in contact with the at least one lighting unit.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the invention, an elevator installation is disclosed. The elevator installation includes a drive machine and an air blower. Further, the elevator installation includes an elevator car coupled to the drive machine. The elevator car includes a cabin defined by a plurality of walls and a modular ceiling. Further, the elevator car includes a roof disposed above the modular ceiling and defines a space therebetween. A top surface of the roof supports the air blower adapted to circulate a flow of air within the cabin. The elevator car includes the device as described in the above paragraphs supported on the modular ceiling. The device is adapted to illuminate the cabin and to guide the flow of air from the air blower toward the cabin. Possible features and advantages of embodiments / aspects of the invention can be considered, among other things, and without limiting the invention, to be dependent upon the concepts and findings described below.

[0011] As explained earlier, the body having the plurality of grills for guiding the airflow is integrated with the at least one lighting unit such that the device is capable of illuminating the elevator car and capable of guiding the airflow within the elevator car. The lighting unit is positioned on the peripheral region such that the flow of air, directed towards the plurality of grills, comes in contact with the at least one lighting unit. This ensures that the temperature of the at least one lighting unit may not exceed a certain temperature, such as a maximum operating temperature of the lighting unit. This further protects the at least one lighting unit from any damage resulting from high operating temperatures and thereby, substantially increasing the overall service life of the at least one lighting unit.

[0012] Further, owing to integration of the at least one lighting unit in the device, the requirement for different interfaces, such as structural and electrical components, for installing the lighting systems at different locations within the elevator car is substantially eliminated. In particular, the requirement of installing the standalone lighting systems is substantially eliminated as the device is capable of illuminating the elevator car and for guiding the airflow within the elevator car. This substantially reduces the overall complexity associated with the lighting systems of the elevator car. Also, this substantially reduces the requirement for a large number of standalone components, such as lighting systems and airflow guiding components, in the elevator car.

[0013] Furthermore, the body comprises the flange which is adapted to be engaged with the modular ceiling for supporting the body on the modular ceiling. This has the advantage that the device can be easily removed or mounted on the modular ceiling. Further, this also allows easy removal of the device from the modular ceiling if such a device needs replacement. Therefore, for the device, the replacement process is a less time-consuming and less cumbersome task. Therefore, the device of the present invention is compact, more reliable, energy efficient, easy to repair / replace, less expensive, and easy to implement.

[0014] In the following paragraphs, further embodiments of the present invention are described.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the peripheral region comprises a first peripheral wall. The at least one lighting unit is positioned on the first peripheral wall. In one or more embodiments, the flange extends from a second peripheral wall of the peripheral region and is adapted to be rested on an upper surface of the modular ceiling when the depressed portion is inserted through the modular ceiling.

[0016] This has the advantage that the device can be easily removed or mounted on the modular ceiling. In particular, the depressed portion is inserted through an opening of the modular ceiling to ensure that the flange rests on the upper surface of the modular ceiling such that the device is held on the modular ceiling. Owing to such construction, the device can be easily mounted on the modular ceiling without the requirement of any additional attachment means. Further, this also allows easy removal of the device from the modular ceiling if such a device needs replacement. Therefore, for the device, the replacement process is a less time-consuming and less cumbersome task. Although, it should be understood that the additional attachment means can also be implemented to attach the device, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the device includes at least one airflow-manipulating member formed on at least one region of the plurality of grills and extends along a length of the first peripheral wall. The at least one airflow-manipulating member is adapted to divert a portion of the airflow towards the at least one lighting unit.

[0018] The at least one airflow-manipulating member may be formed as an integral part of the plurality of grills. The advantage of providing the airflow-manipulating member is that the portion of airflow can be used to maintain a temperature of the at least one lighting unit. In particular, as explained, the airflow-manipulating member extends along the length of the first peripheral wall and, may have the length equal to a length of the at least one lighting unit. The portion of the airflow falling on the airflow-manipulating member may be diverted towards the at least one lighting unit such that the portion of the airflow may maintain the temperature of the at least one lighting unit. This ensures that the temperature of the at least one lighting unit may not exceed a certain temperature, such as a maximum operating temperature of the lighting unit. This further protects the at least one lighting unit from any damage resulting from high operating temperatures and thereby, substantially increasing the overall service life of the at least one lighting unit.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the at least one airflow-manipulating member is inclined with respect to each grill such that the vent is at least partially concealed to divert the portion of the airflow towards the at least one lighting unit positioned on the first peripheral wall. Advantageously, the at least one airflow-manipulating member is inclined to ensure that the portion of the airflow is directed towards the at least one lighting unit. Further, the at least one airflow-manipulating member partially conceals the vent such that the airflow falling on the at least one airflow-manipulating member is not passed through the vent and is diverted towards the at least one lighting unit over an inclined profile of the at least one airflow-manipulating member. The advantage of partially covering the vent is to ensure that the optimal airflow is diverted towards the at least one lighting unit. Therefore, the temperature of the at least one lighting unit may not exceed a certain temperature, such as a maximum operating temperature of the lighting unit. This further protects the at least one lighting unit from any damage resulting from high operating temperatures and thereby, substantially increasing the overall service life of the at least one lighting unit.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the at least one lighting unit includes at least one circuit board and at least one planar lighting (PL) element mounted on the at least one circuit board. Further, the at least one lighting unit includes a covering element disposed on the at least one PL element and adapted to scatter the light emitted from the at least one PL element. The circuit board is positioned in the peripheral region such that a rear surface of the circuit board is adapted to flush with the first peripheral wall.

[0021] In an embodiment, the at least one PL element may include, but is not limited to, semiconductor light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), Quantum dot LED, Micro LED, and polymer light-emitting diodes (PLED). The at least one PL element has less energy dissipation and therefore, it is advantageous to implement the at least one PL element in the at least one lighting unit of the device.

[0022] As explained, the at least one lighting unit is positioned in the peripheral region such that the rear surface of the circuit board flushes with the first peripheral wall. This has the advantage that the at least one lighting unit is firmly mounted on the first peripheral wall. In particular, such an arrangement restricts any lateral movement of the at least one lighting unit along the first peripheral wall and thereby, ensuring that the at least one lighting unit is snugly fitted in the peripheral region of the body. Further, at least owing to such an arrangement of the lighting unit, the overall size of the device remains optimal to ensure that a sufficient space is maintained between the roof and the modular ceiling. In particular, the lighting unit is integrated in the device such that a planar shape of the device can be maintained. Owing to such planar shape, when the device is supported on the modular ceiling, the device occupies minimal vertical space. Therefore, the sufficient space between the roof and the modular ceiling can be maintained. In one or more embodiments, the at least one lighting unit is permanently fused to the first peripheral wall of the peripheral region. In an embodiment, the at least one lighting unit may be permanently fused to the first peripheral wall by using a moulding process. This has the advantage that the device is formed as an integral part without any removable components and therefore, the overall manufacturing cost of the device is substantially reduced, and the overall strength of the device is substantially increased. In particular, the grills and the at least one lighting unit are formed as an integral part of the device. Therefore, the overall design of the device is simpler to manufacture and repair / replace.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the at least one lighting unit is removably positioned on the first peripheral wall of the peripheral region. This has the advantage that if the at least one lighting unit is non-operational then such lighting unit can be removed from the first peripheral wall and thereafter an operational lighting unit can be fitted on the first peripheral wall of the device. This ensures that the device is not required to be replaced in case the lighting unit becomes non- operational over a period of time, rather the lighting unit can be replaced separately.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the first peripheral wall includes at least one cavity adapted to removably receive the at least one lighting unit therein.

[0025] The advantage of providing the cavity is that the at least one lighting unit can be snugly fitted on the first peripheral wall of the body. In particular, the lighting unit is received in the cavity such that the rear surface of the circuit board flushes with the first peripheral wall. This has the advantage that the at least one lighting unit is firmly mounted on the first peripheral wall. In particular, such an arrangement restricts any lateral movement of the at least one lighting unit along the first peripheral wall and thereby, ensuring that the at least one lighting unit is snugly fitted in the peripheral region of the body.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, a shape of the at least one cavity conforms with a shape of the at least one lighting unit.

[0027] This has the advantage that the at least one lighting unit is firmly mounted to the body of the device. In particular, the shape of the at least one cavity counter-matches the shape of the at the at least one lighting unit such that the at least one lighting unit snugly fits in the at least one cavity and forms surface contact with a periphery of the cavity. Such an arrangement restricts any lateral movement of the at least one lighting unit within the at least one cavity along the first peripheral wall and thereby, ensuring that the at least one lighting unit is snugly fitted in the at least one cavity of the body.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the at least one lighting unit is removably attached to the at least one cavity, using at least one of a mechanical fastener and an adhesive material.

[0029] This has the advantage that if the at least one lighting unit is non-operational then such lighting unit can be removed from the first peripheral wall and thereafter an operational lighting unit can be fitted on the first peripheral wall of the device. This ensures that the device is not required to be replaced in case the lighting unit becomes non-operational over a period of time, rather the lighting unit can be replaced separately.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the first peripheral wall includes a first channel extending from the at least one cavity. The first channel is adapted to accommodate electrical wirings connected to the at least one lighting unit. Further, the flange includes a second channel connected to the first channel. The second channel is adapted to guide the electrical wiring therein toward a direction away from the depressed portion.

[0031] The advantage of providing the first channel and the second channel is that the electrical wires associated with the at least one lighting unit can be optimally supported in the body and suitably guided away from the at least one lighting unit. In particular, the first channel and the second channel ensure that the electrical wiring of the at least one lighting unit may not entangle with other portions of the device. Advantageously, each of the first channel and the second channel is designed such that the electrical wiring snugly fits therein and thereby, eliminates the possibility of dislocation of the electrical wiring.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the at least one lighting unit is adapted to be operated in at least one of a normal lighting mode and an emergency lighting mode.

[0033] In the normal lighting mode, the at least one lighting unit may provide illumination with a higher lumen value compared to the illumination in the emergency lighting mode. In one embodiment, an electrical power supplied to the at least one lighting unit may be varied to operate the at least one lighting unit between the normal lighting mode and the emergency lighting mode. In another embodiment, a number of PL elements to be illuminated may be varied to operate the at least one lighting unit between the normal lighting mode and the emergency lighting mode. In the normal lighting mode, a higher number of PL elements is illuminated compared to a number of PL elements illuminated in the emergency lighting mode.

[0034] This has the advantage that a single lighting unit can be implemented for providing illumination in two different modes, i.e., the normal lighting mode and the emergency lighting mode. This eliminates the requirement of implementing separate lighting units for the normal lighting mode and the emergency lighting mode. As explained earlier, conventionally, a larger space is required within the elevator car for installing a large number of lighting systems for different modes which increases the overall cost associated with such lighting systems. Advantageously, the at least one lighting unit integrated into the device of the present invention eliminates the requirement of implementing a large number of lighting systems for different modes and thereby, reduces the overall cost associated with such lighting systems.

[0035] Further, the device with the at least one lighting unit is mounted on the modular ceiling of the elevator car, and thereby providing illumination in different modes from the modular ceiling within the elevator car. Advantageously, this eliminates the requirement of mounting any lighting systems for emergency lighting on one of the wall panels of the elevator car. Therefore, the implementation of the device with the at least one lighting unit of the present invention eliminates the requirement of a larger space for mounting the lighting systems at different locations within the elevator car. Further, owing to a mounting position, i.e., the modular ceiling, for the device, the at least one lighting unit provides optimal illumination in both the normal operational mode and the emergency lighting mode.

[0036] Furthermore, the requirement for different interfaces, such as structural and electrical components, for installing the lighting systems at different locations within the elevator car is substantially eliminated. This substantially reduces the overall complexity associated with the lighting systems of the elevator car. As explained earlier, integrating the at least one lighting unit, operable in different modes, with the device eliminates the requirement of deploying standalone lighting systems for each lighting mode. This substantially reduces the requirement for a large number of lighting systems in the elevator car. Therefore, the implementation of the device of the present invention reduces the overall energy consumption associated with illumination within the elevator car.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the peripheral region includes a plurality of cross members partitioning the vent to define a plurality of vents for accommodating the plurality of grills therein. The at least one lighting unit is positioned on each cross member such that the airflow directed towards the plurality of vents comes in contact with the at least one lighting unit.

[0038] As explained earlier, in one or more embodiments, the at least one lighting unit may be positioned on the first peripheral wall of the body. Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, a plurality of lighting units may be positioned on the plurality of cross members partitioning the vent of the body. This has the advantage that a large number of lighting units can be integrated into a single device. Therefore, eliminating the requirement for different interfaces, such as structural and electrical components, for individually installing multiple lighting systems. Further, another advantage of positioning the plurality of lighting units on the plurality of cross members is that such lighting units are located in a path of the airflow entering the elevator car through the vent. This eliminates the requirement of diverting the airflow towards the lighting units for maintaining the optimal operational temperature of such lighting units.

[0039] The term “modular ceiling” may be referred to a ceiling, such as a decorative ceiling, disposed below a roof of the elevator car such that a top surface of the ceiling faces the roof, and a bottom surface faces a cabin of the elevator car.

[0040] The term “lighting unit” may be referred to a unit having various components including at least one lighting element and a circuit board assembled together to form a single unit capable of illuminating a space.

[0041] The term “airflow-manipulating member” may be referred to a portion of the device, which is capable of diverting, streamlining, or re-directing an airflow toward a desired direction.

[0042] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments and from the drawings, in which identical or functionally identical elements are denoted with identical reference signs. The drawings are merely schematic and not to scale.

[0043] Figures la and lb illustrate different partial perspective views of an elevator car depicting a device for guiding airflow and projecting light into the elevator car, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2a illustrates a rear perspective view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2b illustrates a front perspective view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 3a illustrates a side planar view of the device mounted on a modular ceiling of the elevator car, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3b illustrates a partial planar view of the device mounted on the modular ceiling of the elevator car, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a partial planar view of the device mounted on the modular ceiling and an enlarged view of a portion of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate a rear perspective view of the device and a partial exploded view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figures 6a and 6b illustrate different sectional views of the device mounted on the modular ceiling of the elevator car, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 7 illustrates a rear perspective view of the device, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 8 illustrates a planar sectional view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0052] Figure 9 illustrates a partial isometric view of the elevator car having a device for guiding airflow and projecting light into the elevator car, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Figures la and lb illustrate different partial perspective views of an elevator car 100 depicting a device 102 for guiding airflow and projecting light into the elevator car 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The elevator installation may be installed in a building having a plurality of floors for transporting persons / goods between different floors. The elevator installation may include, but is not limited to, an elevator shaft (not shown), the at least one elevator car 100, at least one counterweight (not shown), a suspension traction member (not shown), and a drive machine (not shown). The at least one elevator car 100 may be coupled to the drive machine and adapted to be moved between different floors of a building by the drive machine. In the subsequent paragraphs, at least for the sake of readability, the at least one elevator car 100 may be interchangeably referred to as the elevator car 100, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, referring to Figures la-lb, the elevator car 100 may include, but is not limited to, a cabin 100-1 defined by a plurality of walls 104 and a modular ceiling 106. Further, the elevator car 100 may include a roof 108 disposed above the modular ceiling 106 and defining a space 110 therebetween. A top surface of the roof 108 may support the air blower 103 adapted to circulate a flow of air within the cabin 100-1.

[0056] The elevator car 100 may include the device 102 supported on the modular ceiling 106. The device 102 may be adapted to illuminate the cabin 100-1 and to guide the flow of air from the air blower 103 towards the cabin 100-1. In the illustrated embodiment, the device 102 may be integrated with at least one lighting unit 112 for illuminating the cabin 100-1. Constructional and operational details of the device 102 are explained in detail in the subsequent paragraphs.

[0057] Figure 2a illustrates a rear perspective view of the device 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2b illustrates a front perspective view of the device 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures la-lb and 2a-2b, the device 102 may include, but is not limited to, a body 202 having a depressed portion 202-1 adapted to be inserted through the modular ceiling 106. In an embodiment, the body 202 may be formed of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or any other light-weight polymeric material, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0058] Referring to Figures 2a and 2b, the depressed portion 202-1 may include, but is not limited to, a peripheral region 204 and a plurality of grills 206. The peripheral region 204 may define a vent 208 to allow a flow of air therethrough within the elevator car 100. The vent 208 may have an elliptical profile and may extend along a length of the body 202. Further, the plurality of grills 206 may be disposed in the vent 208. The plurality of grills 206 may interchangeably be referred to as the grills 206, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Each grill 206 may be adapted to guide the flow of air into the elevator car 100. In the illustrated embodiment, each grill 206 may disposed in the vent 208 such that a gap may be defined between adjacent grills.

[0059] Figure 3a illustrates a side planar view of the device 102 mounted on the modular ceiling 106 of the elevator car 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3b illustrates a partial planar view of the device 102 mounted on the modular ceiling 106 of the elevator car 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a partial planar view of the device 102 mounted on the modular ceiling 106 and an enlarged view of a portion of the device 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 3a-3b and 4a-4b, in the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral region 204 may include a second peripheral wall 302 and a first peripheral wall 304 orthogonally extending from the second peripheral wall 302.

[0060] Further, referring to Figures 2a-4b, the body 202 may include a flange 210 extending from the depressed portion 202-1. The flange 210 may be adapted to be engaged with the modular ceiling 106 such that the flange 210 supports the body 202 on the modular ceiling 106. The flange 210 may extend from the second peripheral wall 302 of the peripheral region 204. The flange 210 may be adapted to be rested on an upper surface 106-1 of the modular ceiling 106 when the depressed portion 202-1 is inserted through the modular ceiling 106. In an embodiment, the modular ceiling 106 may include an opening (not shown) having a profile counter-matching a profile of the depressed portion 202-1. The device 102 may be mounted on the modular ceiling 106 by inserting the depressed portion 202-1 through the opening such that the flange 210 may rest on the upper surface 106-1 of the modular ceiling 106 to hold the device 102 on the modular ceiling 106.

[0061] The device 102 may include the at least one lighting unit 112 adapted to project light within the elevator car 100. In the illustrated embodiment, referring to Figures 2a-4b, the device 102 may include a pair of lighting units 112-1, 112-2 positioned on the peripheral region 204 and adapted to project light within the elevator car 100 through a front side 306 of the depressed portion 202-1. The pair of lighting units 112-1, 112-2 may interchangeably be referred to as the lighting units.

[0062] Each lighting unit 112-1, 112-2 may be positioned on the first peripheral wall 304 of the peripheral region 204. In particular, the lighting units 112-1, 112-2 may be positioned on the first peripheral wall 304 and located on opposite sides of the grills. The lighting unit 112-1 may be positioned on the first peripheral wall 304 located on a first side 308 of the grills 206. The lighting unit 112-2 may be positioned on the horizontal wall 304 located on a second side 310, opposite to the first side 308, of the grills 206. The lighting units 112-1, 112-2 may be positioned on the first peripheral wall 304 and located on either sides 308, 310 of the grills 206 such that the flow of air, directed towards the grills 206, may come in contact with the lighting units 112-1, 112-2.

[0063] Constructional and operational details of the lighting units 112-1, 112-2 are explained in detail in the subsequent paragraphs.

[0064] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate a rear perspective view of the device 102 and a partial exploded view of the device 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 6a and 6b illustrate different sectional views of the device 102 mounted on the modular ceiling 106 of the elevator car 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 4a-6b, each lighting unit 112-1, 112-2 may include, but is not limited to a circuit board 402, at least one planar lighting (PL) element 404, and a covering element 406.

[0065] In an embodiment, the circuit board 402 may be embodied as a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), without departing from the scope of the present invention. The circuit board 402 may be positioned in the peripheral region 204 such that a rear surface of the circuit board 402 is adapted to flush with the first peripheral wall 304.

[0066] The at least one PL element 404 may interchangeably be referred to as the PL element 404, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The PL element 404 may be mounted on the circuit board 402. In an embodiment, the PL element 404 may include, but is not limited to, semiconductor light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), Quantum dot LED, Micro LED, and polymer light-emitting diodes (PLED). Further, the LED may be embodied as one of a Dual In-Line Package (DIP) LED, a Surface Mounted Diode (SMD) LED, and a Chip on Board (COB) LED.

[0067] The covering element 406 may be disposed on the PL element 404. The covering element 406 may be adapted to scatter the light emitted from the PL element 404. In an embodiment, the covering element 406 may be embodied as a diffuser, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In another embodiment, the covering element 406 may be embodied as a lens, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the lighting units 112-1, 112-2 may be permanently fused to the first peripheral wall 304 of the peripheral region 204. In such an embodiment, the lighting units 112- 1, 112-2 may be permanently fused with the body by using the moulding process.

[0068] In another embodiment, the lighting units 112-1, 112-2 may be removably positioned on the first peripheral wall 304 of the peripheral region 204. In such an embodiment, referring to Figures 5a-5b and 6a-6b, the first peripheral wall 304 may include a pair of cavities 502-1, 502-2 adapted to removably receive the lighting units 112-1, 112-2, respectively, therein. The pair of cavities 502-1, 502-2 may interchangeably be referred to as the cavities 502-1, 502-2, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The cavity 502-1 may be formed on the first peripheral wall 304 located on the first side 308 of the grills 206. Similarly, the cavity 502-2 may be formed on the first peripheral wall 304 located on the second side 310 of the grills 206.

[0069] Further, shapes of the cavities 502-1, 502-2 may conform with shapes of the lighting units 112-1, 112-2, respectively. In particular, each cavity 502-1, 502-2 may formed such that the shape of such cavity counter-matches the shape of the respective lighting units 112-1, 112-2. The lighting units 112-1, 112-2 may be removably attached to the cavities 502-1, 502-2, respectively, using at least one of a mechanical fastener and an adhesive material.

[0070] Referring to Figures 5b and 6b, the first peripheral wall 304 may include a first channel 504 extending from both the cavities 502-1, 502-2. The first channel 504 may be adapted to accommodate electrical wirings connected to the lighting units 112-1, 112-2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first channel 504 may have a U-shaped profile connecting the cavities 502-1, 502-2 together. Further, the flange 210 may include a second channel 506 connected to the first channel 504. The second channel 506 may be adapted to guide the electrical wiring therein towards a direction away from the depressed portion 202-1.

[0071] The lighting units 112-1, 112-2 may be adapted to be operated in at least one of a normal lighting mode and an emergency lighting mode. In the normal lighting mode, the lighting units 112-1, 112-2 may produce illumination with higher lumen value compared to the illumination produced in the emergency lighting mode. In one embodiment, an electrical power supplied to the lighting units 112-1, 112-2 may be varied to operate the lighting units 112-1, 112-2 between the normal lighting mode and the emergency lighting mode. In another embodiment, a number of PL elements to be illuminated may be varied to operate the lighting unit 112-1, 112-2 between the normal lighting mode and the emergency lighting mode. In the normal lighting mode, a higher number of PL elements may be illuminated compared to a number of PL elements illuminated in the emergency lighting mode.

[0072] Figure 7 illustrates a rear perspective view of the device 102, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 illustrates a planar sectional view of the device 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the device 102 may include a pair of airflow-manipulating members 702-1, 702-2 formed on regions 206-1, 206-2, respectively, of the grills 206. Each airflow-manipulating member 702-1, 702-2 may be formed as an integral part of the body 202 of the device 102. Each airflow-manipulating member 702-1, 702-2 may extend along a length of the first peripheral wall 304. In the illustrated embodiment, a length of each airflow-manipulating member 702-1, 702-2 may be equal to a length of each lighting unit 112-1, 112-2. The airflow-manipulating members 702-1, 702-2 may be adapted to divert a portion of the airflow toward the lighting units 112-1, 112-2. Each airflow-manipulating member 702-1, 702-2 may be inclined with respect to each grill 206 such that the vent 208 is at least partially concealed to divert the portion of the airflow towards the respective lighting unit 112-1, 112-2 positioned on the first peripheral wall 304.

[0074] Figure 9 illustrates a partial isometric view of the elevator car 100 having a device 900 for guiding airflow and projecting light into the elevator car 100, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of brevity, details of the present invention that are explained in detail in the description of Figures la-lb, Figures 2a-2b, Figures 3a-3b, Figures 4a-4b, Figures 5a-5b, Figures 6a-6b, Figure 7, and Figure 8 are not explained in detail in the description of Figure 9.

[0075] Similar to the device 102 explained with respect to Figures la-8, the device 900 of the illustrated embodiment may include the body 202 having the depressed portion 202-1 and the flange 210. Further, the depressed portion 202-1 may include the peripheral region 204 defining the vent 208 to allow the flow of air therethrough within the elevator car 100.

[0076] However, in the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral region 204 may include a plurality of cross members 902 partitioning the vent 208 to define a plurality of vents 208-1, 208-2, 208- 3,. . . ., 208-n for accommodating the plurality of grills 206 therein. The plurality of cross members 902 may be formed at equidistance from each other. In the device 900, a lighting unit 112, such as the lighting units 112-1, 112-2, may be positioned on each cross member 902 such that the airflow directed towards the plurality of vents 208-1, 208-2, 208-3,...., 208-n comes in contact with the lighting unit 112. Each cross member 902 may extend along a width of the vent 208 and formed as an integral part of the body 202.

[0077] In one embodiment, the lighting unit 112 may be fixedly integrated to each cross member 902. In such an embodiment, the lighting unit 112 may be fixedly integrated to each cross member 902 using a moulding process. In another embodiment, the lighting unit 112 may be removably mounted on each cross member 902. In such an embodiment, the lighting unit 112 may be removably mounted on each cross member 902 using at least one of a mechanical fastener and an adhesive material.

[0078] While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

Claims

Claims:

1. A device (102) for guiding airflow and projecting light into an elevator car (100) having a modular ceiling (106), comprising: a body (202) comprising: a depressed portion (202-1) adapted to be inserted through the modular ceiling (106), and comprising: a peripheral region (204) defining at least one vent (208) to allow a flow of air therethrough within the elevator car (100); and a plurality of grills (206) disposed in the at least one vent (208) and adapted to guide the flow of air into the elevator car (100), and a flange (210) extending from the depressed portion (202-1) and adapted to be engaged with the modular ceiling (106) such that the flange (210) supports the body (202) on the modular ceiling (106), and at least one lighting unit (112) positioned on the peripheral region (204) and adapted to project light within the elevator car (100) through a front side (306) of the depressed portion (202-1), wherein the flow of air, directed towards the plurality of grills (206), comes in contact with the at least one lighting unit (112).

2. The device (102) according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral region (204) comprises: a first peripheral wall (304) parallel to the front side (306), wherein the at least one lighting unit (112) is positioned on the first peripheral wall (304).

3. The device (102) according to claim 2, wherein the flange (210) extends from a second peripheral wall (302) orthogonally formed with respect to the first horizontal peripheral wall (304), the flange is adapted to be rested on a rear surface (106-1) of the modular ceiling (106) when the depressed portion (202-1) is inserted through the modular ceiling (106).

4. The device (102) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprises at least one airflow-manipulating member (702-1, 702-2) formed on at least one region (206-1, 206-2) of the plurality of grills (206) and extends along a length of the first peripheral wall (304), wherein the at least one airflow-manipulating member (702-1, 702-2) is adapted to divert a portion of the airflow towards the at least one lighting unit (112).

5. The device (102) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one airflow-manipulating member (702-1, 702-2) is inclined with respect to each grill (206) such that the vent (208)is at least partially concealed to divert the portion of the airflow towards the at least one lighting unit (112) positioned on the first peripheral wall (304).

6. The device (102) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lighting unit (112) comprises: at least one circuit board (402); at least one planar lighting (PL) elements (404) mounted on the at least one circuit board (402); and a covering element (406) disposed on the PL elements (404) and adapted to scatter the light emitted from the PL elements (404), wherein: the circuit board (402) is positioned in the peripheral region (204) such that a rear surface of the circuit board (402) is adapted to flush with the first peripheral wall (304).

7. The device (102) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one lighting unit (112) is permanently fused to the first peripheral wall (304) of the peripheral region (204).

8. The device (102) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one lighting unit (112) is removably positioned on the first peripheral wall (304) of the peripheral region (204).

9. The device (102) according to claim 8, wherein the first peripheral wall (304) comprises at least one cavity (502-1, 502-2) adapted to removably receive the at least one lighting unit (112) therein.

10. The device (102) according to any of claims 8-9, wherein a shape of the at least one cavity (502-1, 502-2) conforms with a shape of the at least one lighting unit (112).

11. The device (102) according to any of claims 8-10, wherein the at least one lighting unit (112) is removably attached to the at least one cavity (502-1, 502-2), using at least one of a mechanical fastener and an adhesive material.

12. The device (102) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein:the first peripheral wall (304) comprises a first channel (504) extending from the at least one cavity (502-1, 502-2) and adapted to accommodate electrical wirings connected to the at least one lighting unit (112), and the flange (210) comprises a second channel (506) connected to the first channel (504) and adapted to guide the electrical wiring therein towards a direction away from the depressed portion (202-1).

13. The device (102) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one lighting unit (112) is adapted to be operated in at least one of a normal lighting mode and an emergency lighting mode.

14. The device (102) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral region (204) comprises: a plurality of cross members (902) partitioning the vent (208) to define a plurality of vents (208-1, 208-2,. . . , 208-n) for accommodating the plurality of grills (206) therein, wherein the at least one lighting unit (112) is positioned on each cross member (902) such that the airflow directed towards the plurality of vents (208-1 , 208-2, ... , 208-n) comes in contact with the at least one lighting unit (112).

15. An elevator installation comprising : an air blower (103); and an elevator car (lOO)comprising: a cabin (100-1) defined by a plurality of walls (104) and a modular ceiling (106); a roof (108) disposed above the modular ceiling (106) and defining a space therebetween, wherein a top surface of the roof (108) supports the air blower (103) adapted to circulate a flow of air within the cabin (100-1); and a device (102) according to any of claims 1-14 supported on the modular ceiling (106), wherein the device (102) is adapted to illuminate the cabin (100-1) and to guide the flow of air from the air blower (103) towards the cabin (100-1).

Images